Use Of Capital Gazette Shooting Video Debated In Court

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Prosecutors in the Jarrod Ramos murder case consider security camera video footage from the shooting inside the newsroom of the Capital Gazette to be the "most important piece of evidence" in the trial. Ramos has been charged with killing five Capital Gazette newspaper employees.

However, attorneys representing the accused gunman have asked a judge to exclude use of all or parts of that video, including the shooting and the moments leading up to it, arguing that showing it to a jury would prejudice their client. Ramos is facing murder charges for fatally shooting Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith and Wendi Winters on June 28, 2018.

Prosecutors have asked Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Laura Ripken to dismiss the request.

“The video is basically the silent witness in this case,” State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said. “(It’s) very powerful evidence that shows the (Ramos’) intent to kill.”

The team of public defenders representing Jarrod Ramos, who faces five counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, six counts of first-degree assault and other charges, requested Ripken consider substituting five still photos instead of the video footage, arguing prosecutors could make their case without the graphic video.

According to the Capital News Service, the video doesn't show anyone being shot, but does show the suspect entering the office with a pump-action shotgun. People can see flashes of shots being fired and a wounded Smith and other victims trying to escape. Leitess said a second video shows victims "fleeing for their lives" only to find the rear exit door blocked.

"You wouldn't be able to get that feel … unless you see it live," Leitess said.

Ramos pleaded not guilty and not criminally responsible — Maryland’s insanity plea — to all 23 counts. Ripken, at Ramos’ request, ordered the trial be split into two phases: first to determine whether he is guilty of offenses, second to determine whether he is insane.

Ripken informed attorneys for both parties that she would review the footage Tuesday, Oct. 1, after she heard other outstanding motions.

Read more at Capital Gazette

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